Lupinus plant named ‘Masterpiece’

ABSTRACT

‘Masterpiece’ is a new variety of  Lupinus hybridus  that exhibits intense flower color, large individual flower bells and a vigorous growth habit.

Botanical classification: Lupinus hybridus.

Varietal denomination: ‘Masterpiece’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Lupinushybridus known by the varietal name ‘Masterpiece’. The new variety wasdeveloped in Great Britain. The new variety is a result of crossbreeding Russell Hybrid Lupinus Seedling #WCL 045/96 (female parent)(unpatented) and an unknown Lupinus male parent (unpatented). Thepurpose of the breeding program was to develop a cultivar that exhibitedimproved color, habit, and bloom form from other Lupinus varieties knownto the breeder. The new variety is similar in growth habit to its femaleparent, but differs in flower color. The new variety differs fromLupinus hybridus ‘The Governor’ (unpatented) in flower color, closenessof flowers on spike, and flower size. The new variety was firstasexually reproduced by basal cuttings/tissue culture in Great Britain.The new variety has been trial and field tested and has been found toretain its distinctive characteristics and remain true to type throughsuccessive asexual propagations. Characteristics that distinguish thenew variety from others known to the breeder include:

-   -   •Clear and intense flower color,    -   •Flower form — the individual bells are packed closely on the        flower spike;    -   •Large individual flower bells; and    -   •Vigorous growth habit.

The new variety was grown in open soil with additional organicfertilizer applied. The new variety initiates and develops roots in 21days at 15° C. A finished and flowering plant is produced in 36 weeks ina 21 cm container. The new variety exhibits sparse, but thick roots,that exhibit some branching.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographic drawings illustrate the new variety, withthe color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrationsof this type.

FIG. 1 is a photographic image of multiple plants of the new variety;

FIG. 2 is a close-up image of the petals of the new variety; and

FIG. 3 is a close-up photograph of both surfaces of the leaves of thenew variety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected by asexual reproductions carried out in Great Britain. Thecolor readings were taken outside under natural daylight. Colorreferences are primarily to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The RoyalHorticultural Society of London. The measurements described herein areaverages of the measurements taken for a given parameter.

PLANT

-   Form: Mounded and symmetrical.-   Stem:    -   -   Diameter.—16 mm.        -   Color.—Varies between 144B and 144C.        -   Texture.—Slightly hirsute, smooth with longitudinal ridges.        -   Pubescence.—Slight to medium.-   Height: 85 cm.-   Vigor: Good.-   Branching habit: Good, freely branching.-   Lateral branches:    -   -   Diameter.—10 mm.        -   Internode length.—4.9 cm.        -   Texture.—Lightly hirsute.        -   Pubescence.—Present.        -   Color.—144B.-   Foliage:    -   -   Arrangement.—Ascending spiral.        -   Length of leaf stalk.—Basal foliage: 19 cm. Stem foliage: 11            cm.        -   Size of leaf (overall).—Length: 17 cm. Width: 16 cm.        -   Leaflets.—Shape of leaflet: Oblanceolate. Number: 12.5.            Width: 2.4 cm. Length: 8.1 cm. Shape of apex: Obtuse, with a            small point. Shape of base: Cuneate. Texture: Smooth and            velvety. Aspect: Horizontal presentation. Margin type:            Smooth; entire. Pubescence: Upper surface: None present.            Lower surface: Slight. Color: Young leaflet: Upper surface:            Varies between 137A and 137B. Lower surface: 137D to 138B.            Mature leaflet: Upper surface: 137A. Lower surface: 138B.            Petiole: Shape: Flattened and round. Diameter: 4 mm. Color:            144A. Venation: Central; mid-rib.

FLOWER

-   Bud (described when buds where just beginning to open):    -   -   Shape.—Napiform.        -   Diameter.—10 mm.        -   Length.—19 mm.        -   Color.—79B.-   Natural flowering season: May through July in The Netherlands.-   Flower type and habit: Spike.    -   -   Number of flowers per spike.—194.        -   Length of spike.—48 cm.        -   Diameter of spike.—12.3 cm.-   Corolla:    -   -   Form.—Zygomorphic.        -   Petals.—Standard petals: Number: 2 — fused. Length: 20 mm.            Width: 12 mm. Shape: Ovate. Aspect: Parallel to spike.            Margin: Smooth and entire. Wing Petals: Number: 2. Length:            20 mm. Width: 12 mm. Shape: Ovoid to kidney-shaped. Aspect            Tilted upward. Margin: Smooth and entire. Keel Petals:            Number: 2 — fused. Length: 16 mm. Width: 8 mm. Shape:            Lingulate. Aspect: Located within wing petals and pointing            upward. Margin: Smooth and entire. Texture and appearance:            Smooth and satin-like. Color: Upper surface: Standard            petals: 26B at the front edge; varies between 79B and 79C at            middle and back edge. Wing petals: Varies between 79B and            79C. Lower surface: Standard petals: 79C. Wing petals: 79D.        -   Throat.—Color: 4D. Texture: Smooth and satin-like.-   Calyx:    -   -   Form.—Two unequal halves.        -   Length.—7 mm.        -   Diameter.—13 mm.        -   Sepal shape.—Elliptical.        -   Sepal margin.—Smooth and entire.        -   Sepal texture.—Smooth with slight pubescence.        -   Sepal size.—Length: 7 mm. Width: 5 mm.-   Sepal color:    -   -   Upper surface.—149B.        -   Lower surface.—Varies between 149B and 149C.-   Fragrance: Slight.-   Disease resistance/susceptibility: Susceptible to powdery mildew.-   Temperature tolerance: Medium to good.-   Lasting quality: Medium to good.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

-   Stamens:    -   -   Number (per flower).—There are two groups. A first group            with 6 stamens and a second group with 4 stamens.        -   Filaments.—Length: First group: 4 mm. Second group: 7 mm.            Fused: Yes.        -   Anthers.—Shape: First group: Pencil-like. Second group:            Spherical. Length: First group: 2 mm. Second group: 1 mm.            Color: First group: 169B. Second group: 24A.        -   Pollen.—Color: 24A. Amount: Plenty.-   Pistils:    -   -   Length: 10 mm.        -   Style.—Length: 10 mm. Color: 150C.        -   Stigma.—Shape: Spherical. Color: 150C.-   Seed/Fruit production:    -   -   Description of conditions when produced.—Produced freely.        -   Color.—165A.        -   Size.—1.0 mm.        -   Number.—Approximately 2000 per plant.

1. A new and distinct variety of Lupinus hybridus plant named‘Masterpiece’ as is herein described and illustrated.